Mount Juktas

Mount Juktas in north-central Crete hosted one of the most important Minoan peak sanctuaries, first excavated by Arthur Evans in 1909 and systematically re-excavated by Alexandra Karetsou from 1974. The sanctuary features two stepped terraces with an altar 4.7 metres long, five rooms, and yielded clay figurines, bronze double axes, and Linear A inscriptions. At its base, the shrine of Anemospilia produced four skeletons in positions suggesting human sacrifice, challenging the peaceful image of Minoan civilization. The ancient Minoans believed Zeus died and was buried within the mountain.